Unit Plan 27 (Grade 3 Music): Group Music Performance

Focus: Perform music collaboratively with expression, technical accuracy, and appropriate performance decorum and audience etiquette in a group setting.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Music (Performance • Ensemble Skills • Concert Skills)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students bring their musical skills together in group performance. They rehearse and perform one or more songs or instrumental pieces as a class, focusing on singing or playing together, matching pitch and rhythm, and using dynamics to show expression. Students also practice performance decorum—how to stand, watch the conductor/teacher, and stay focused—and audience etiquette, including respectful listening and appropriate applause. By the end, students participate in a small class sharing that highlights their ability to perform as a musical team.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to perform music accurately and expressively as part of a group?
• How do posture, focus, and listening help a group performance sound more together and confident?
• What does respectful performance decorum and audience etiquette look and sound like in music class?
• How can performing together help us feel like part of a musical community?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform a selected song or piece as a group with mostly accurate pitch, rhythm, and steady beat.
2. Use at least one expressive element (e.g., dynamics, phrasing) to help the group performance communicate a musical idea.
3. Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum as performers: posture, eye focus, starting and ending together, remaining engaged on “stage.”
4. Demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette: quiet listening, watching performers, and giving respectful applause at appropriate times.
5. Reflect on how they contributed to the group performance, naming one strength and one area for growth.

Standards Alignment — Grade 3 Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Pr6.1.3a — Perform music, alone or with others, with expression and technical accuracy.
  • Example: Singing in tune with appropriate dynamics.
• MU:Pr6.1.3b — Demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate to the context and venue.
  • Example: Showing proper posture and focus during a concert.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can perform our class piece with mostly correct notes, rhythms, and a steady beat.
• I can use expression (loud/soft, smooth/strong) to make our group performance more musical.
• I can show good performance decorum—how I stand, where I look, and how I behave while performing.
• I can be a respectful audience member by listening, watching, and clapping at the right times.
• I can explain one way I helped our group performance and one thing I want to improve next time.